Natural Resource Program Internships

MMWD offers unpaid internships in the field of natural resource management on the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed. The internships provide students with practical experience and direct application in a professional setting. Internships also give participants the chance to learn from personal observation and synthesis, to participate directly in problem-solving activities, and to better prepare students for their careers or continuing education.

Internship positions available are involved with vegetation ecology, biological monitoring, GIS, and GPS. Ecological monitoring methods, mapping, and plant identification will be central skills developed. Interns' activities will support such projects as updating rare plant and weed distribution maps and assisting with our bioblitz. Mentorship is provided by MMWD's volunteer coordinator, vegetation ecologist, and GIS specialist.

Recent Projects Have Included

Sudden Oak Death monitoring

Forest succession monitoring in relation to Douglas-fir encroachment, lack of fire and French broom

Botanical Safaris

GIS mapping of all culverts on the mountain

Habitat and visitor use assessment of creeks for frog re-introduction

Smolt trapping in Lagunitas Creek

Rare plant mapping

Wildlife Picture Index Project cataloging and camera servicing

Students must commit to 40 hours during a semester and have substantial knowledge in one of these disciplines or the aptitude to learn. Internships may be structured towards a discrete project or assist with ongoing monitoring projects listed above. We accept four to six interns per semester. Students must first submit an application.

A Saturday volunteer event would be a great place for potential interns to get an introduction to the watershed and meet staff. We have habitat restoration events one or two Saturdays per month. Visit our Habitat Restoration page for more information, details and directions.

Internships in Partnership with the Parks Conservancy

In the summer, One Tam offers a six week intensive program for high school students called Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC). The LINC program is ideal for current high school students who are open to new experiences, eager to learn new skills and enjoy working outside. Applications are due in March.

We also partner with the Parks Conservancy Academic Internship Program. Stipends and academic credit are available only to students currently enrolled at College of Marin, City College of San Francisco and San Francisco State. Term starts mid-January 2018 and requires 2-3 full days per week through May with the possibility of extending through the summer.